DETECTIVES are hunting a gang of teenage muggers who mercilessly kicked and punched a Widnes resident outside his own front door and left him lying unconscious on the ground.

Police have blasted the culprits for carrying out a 'completely unprovoked' and vicious attack against the victim, who had to be detained at Whiston Hospital and placed under strict medical observation as a result of his terrifying injuries.

The 42-year-old man, a resident of Avondale Drive, suffered a catalogue of injuries including fractured ribs and severe facial bruising.

The man was returning home on Tuesday at about 10.30pm but as he approached the entrance to his house, he was set upon by a group of men and women, thought to be in their late teens.

Police say the man was given no warning before being punched hard in the face and then repeatedly punched and kicked as he lay helpless on the ground.

The blows rendered the victim unconscious for several minutes, during which time the thugs stripped him of his wallet and mobile phone.

Widnes police are now trying to track down the five teenage males and two women who carried out the assault. They are estimated to be aged between 17 to 19 years old.

Witnesses or anyone with information which could help police inquiries should contact PC Chris Connor at Widnes police station on 0151 424 7431.

Alternatively, information can be left in the strictest confidence on the freephone Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.